car 176 – search and rescue search and rescue...rescue (iamsar) manual, volume i — organization...

Public Authority for Civil Aviation

CAR-176 Civil Aviation Regulation

Search and Rescue Effective 31st January 2020

Approved by: HE Dr. Mohamed bin Nasser Al-Zaabi (CEO)

Copyright © 2020 by the Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA), Oman. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, or

reproduced in any way, including but not limited to photo-copy, magnetic or other record, without the prior agreement and written permission of the CEO for PACA, Oman.

CAR 176 – Search and Rescue Rev. 01

Date of Issue: 31 Jan 2020 | Public Authority for Civil Aviation Page 2

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Corrigendum of Amendments

No. Ref Description

01 Initial Initial issue 31 May 2019

02 Rev. 01 Inclusion of CAR 176.005 and 176.007



Table of Contents – CAR 176 – Search and Rescue

List of Effective Pages ............................................................................................................................. 3

Corrigendum of Amendments ................................................................................................................ 5

Foreword ................................................................................................................................................. 9

SUBPART A – GENERAL ......................................................................................................................... 11

CAR 176.001 Applicability ................................................................................................................. 11

CAR 176.003 Definitions ................................................................................................................... 11

CAR 176.005 Safety and Regulatory Audits and Inspections ..................................................... 12

CAR 176.007 Resolution of Safety Issues ................................................................................... 12

SUBPART B – ORGANIZATION ............................................................................................................... 13

CAR 176.051 Search and Rescue Services .................................................................................. 13

CAR 176.053 Search and Rescue Regions ................................................................................... 13

CAR 176.055 Rescue Coordination Centers and Rescue Subcenters ......................................... 13

CAR 176.057 Search and Rescue Communications .................................................................... 13

CAR 176.059 Search and Rescue Units ....................................................................................... 14

CAR 176.061 Search and Rescue Equipment .............................................................................. 14

SUBPART C – COOPERATION ................................................................................................................. 15

CAR 176.101 Cooperation Between States ................................................................................ 15

CAR 176.103 Cooperation with Other Services .......................................................................... 15

CAR 176.105 Dissemination of Information ............................................................................... 15

SUBPART D – PREPARATORY MEASURES .............................................................................................. 17

CAR 176.201 Preparatory Information ....................................................................................... 17

CAR 176.203 Plans of Operation ................................................................................................ 17

CAR 176.205 Search and Rescue Units ....................................................................................... 18

CAR 176.207 Training and Exercises ........................................................................................... 18

SUBPART E – OPERATING PROCEDURES ............................................................................................... 19

CAR 176.301 Information Concerning Emergencies .................................................................. 19

CAR 176.303 Procedures for Rescue Coordination Centers During Emergency Phases ............ 19

CAR 176.305 Procedures Where Responsibility for Operations Extends to Two or More

Contracting States ............................................................................................... 20

CAR 176.307 Procedures for Authorities in the Field ................................................................. 20

CAR 176.309 Procedures for Rescue Coordination Centers – Termination and Suspension of

Operations ........................................................................................................... 20

CAR 176.311 Procedures at the Scene of an Accident ............................................................... 21

CAR 176.313 Procedures for a Pilot-in-Command Intercepting a Distress Transmission .......... 22



CAR 176.315 Search and Rescue Signals .................................................................................... 22

CAR 176.317 Maintenance of Records ....................................................................................... 22

APPENDIX A – SEARCH AND RESCUE SIGNALS ..................................................................................... 23



Foreword

(a) This Civil Aviation Regulation (CAR) has been issued by the Public Authority for Civil Aviation of

Oman (hereinafter referred to as PACA or “the AUTHORITY”) under the provisions of the Civil

Aviation Law of the Sultanate of Oman.

(b) This CAR has been modelled upon similar regulations implemented by other member States and

includes the subject matter endorsed within ICAO Annex 12, Search and Rescue.

(c) CAR 176 prescribes the requirements for all organizations and entities that are delegated by the

AUTHORITY to provide search and rescue services for domestic and international civil aviation

aircraft operating in the Muscat Flight Information Region (FIR). For purposes of this regulation,

the delegated search and rescue organizations and entities are hereinafter referred to as “the

DELEGATE”.

(d) This Regulation is supplemented by the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and

Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual, Volume I — Organization and Management, Volume II — Mission Co-

ordination, and Volume III — Mobile Facilities (Doc 9731), the purpose of which is to assist the

AUTHORITY in meeting its search and rescue (SAR) needs and obligations accepted under the

Convention on International Civil Aviation. These obligations, as they relate to the provision of

SAR services, are specified in this Regulation. The three volumes of the IAMSAR Manual provide

guidance for a common aviation and maritime approach to organizing and providing SAR services.

(e) Amendments to the text in CAR 176 in revised editions are issued as a complete amendment of

pages contained within.

(f) The editing practices used in this document are as follows:

(1) ‘Shall’ and ‘Must’ are used to indicate a mandatory requirement and may appear in this

CAR.

(2) ‘Should’ is used to indicate a recommendation.

(3) ‘May’ is used to indicate discretion by the AUTHORITY, or the industry as appropriate.

(4) ‘Will’ indicates a mandatory requirement and is used to advise of action incumbent on

the AUTHORITY.

Note: The use of the male gender implies the female gender and vice versa.



SUBPART A – GENERAL

CAR 176.001 Applicability CAR 176, Search and Rescue, is applicable to the establishment, maintenance and operation of search and rescue (SAR) services and shall apply to all organizations and entities delegated by the AUTHORITY to provide search and rescue (SAR) services within the Muscat Flight Information Region (Muscat FIR) and over the high seas, and to the coordination of such services with other States.

CAR 176.003 Definitions The following definitions shall form part of this regulation, supplemented by the definitions contained in other ICAO documentation. Where there are differences between the CAR and ICAO definitions, the CAR definitions shall apply.

Alerting post. Any facility intended to serve as an intermediary between a person reporting an emergency and a rescue coordination center or rescue subcenter.

Alert phase. A situation wherein apprehension exists as to the safety of an aircraft and its occupants.

Distress phase. A situation wherein there is a reasonable certainty that an aircraft and its occupants are threatened by grave and imminent danger and require immediate assistance.

Ditching. The forced landing of an aircraft on water.

Emergency phase. A generic term meaning, as the case may be, uncertainty phase, alert phase or distress phase.

Joint rescue coordination center (JRCC). A rescue coordination center responsible for both aeronautical and maritime search and rescue operations.

Operator. A person, organization or enterprise engaged in or offering to engage in an aircraft operation.

Pilot-in-command. The pilot designated by the operator, or in the case of general aviation, the owner, as being in command and charged with the safe conduct of a flight.

Rescue. An operation to retrieve persons in distress, provide for their initial medical or other needs, and deliver them to a place of safety.

Rescue coordination center (RCC). A unit responsible for promoting efficient organization of search and rescue services and for coordinating the conduct of search and rescue operations within a search and rescue region.

Rescue subcenter (RSC). A unit subordinate to a rescue coordination center, established to complement the latter according to particular provisions of the responsible authorities.

Search. An operation normally coordinated by a rescue coordination center or rescue subcenter using available personnel and facilities to locate persons in distress.

Search and rescue aircraft. An aircraft provided with specialized equipment suitable for the efficient conduct of search and rescue missions.

Search and rescue facility. Any mobile resource, including designated search and rescue units, used to conduct search and rescue operations.

Search and rescue service. The performance of distress monitoring, communication, coordination and search and rescue functions, initial medical assistance or medical evacuation, through the use of public and private resources, including cooperating aircraft, vessels and other craft and installations.



Search and rescue region (SRR). An area of defined dimensions, associated with a rescue coordination center, within which search and rescue services are provided.

Search and rescue unit. A mobile resource composed of trained personnel and provided with equipment suitable for the expeditious conduct of search and rescue operations.

State of Registry. The State on whose register the aircraft is entered.

Uncertainty phase. A situation wherein uncertainty exists as to the safety of an aircraft and its occupants.

CAR 176.005 Safety and Regulatory Audits and Inspections

(a) The AUTHORITY shall conduct audits at intervals not exceeding two (2) years at the DELEGATE's office and/or unit or facility.

(b) The AUTHORITY may require the DELEGATE to provide such documentation and information as the AUTHORITY considers relevant to the audit or inspection.

(c) Subject to the DELEGATE's security and safety requirements, the AUTHORITY shall be granted by the DELEGATE, unrestricted access to the DELEGATE's facilities and shall be permitted to carry its own equipment (e.g. computers, cameras and recording devices) under all conditions while carrying out its oversight functions.

CAR 176.007 Resolution of Safety Issues

(a) When objective evidence is found showing regulatory non-compliance by the DELEGATE, the finding shall be classified as follows:

(1) a level one finding is any significant non-compliance which reduces the level of safety. (2) a level two finding is any non-compliance that does not result in an immediate risk to

safety. (3) a level three finding is any item where it has been identified, by objective evidence, to

contain potential problems that could lead to a non-compliance. These are considered as observations only and will not impact a certificate.

(b) After the DELEGATE receives notification of a finding: (1) a level one finding must be rectified immediately or within the timescale specified by the

AUTHORITY. (2) a level two finding shall be addressed in a corrective action plan with a resolution period

specified by the AUTHORITY and shall be appropriate to the nature of the finding, but in any circumstance shall not be more than ninety (90) days. In certain circumstances, the AUTHORITY may extend the ninety (90) day period subject to justification that is acceptable to the AUTHORITY.

(3) the DELEGATE's corrective action plan shall: i. be submitted by the date specified by the AUTHORITY;

ii. identify the root cause of the non-compliance; iii. indicate the person, position, department or entity responsible for the corrective

action; iv. indicate the corrective action required including any multiple steps; and v. be acceptable to the AUTHORITY.

(c) Upon the completion and/or implementation of a corrective action, the DELEGATE shall notify the AUTHORITY and provide evidence of its resolution.



SUBPART B – ORGANIZATION

CAR 176.051 Search and Rescue Services (a) The DELEGATE shall, individually or in cooperation with other States, arrange for the

establishment and prompt provision of search and rescue services within the AUTHORITY’s territories to ensure that assistance is rendered to persons in distress. Such services shall be provided on a twenty-four (24) hour basis.

(1) Those portions of the high seas or areas of undetermined sovereignty for which search and rescue services will be established shall be determined on the basis of regional air navigation agreements. The DELEGATE, having accepted the responsibility to provide search and rescue services in such areas shall thereafter, individually or in cooperation with other States, arrange for the services to be established and provided in accordance with the provisions of Regulation.

(2) Basic elements of search and rescue services shall include a legal framework, a responsible authority, organized available resources, communication facilities, a sufficient workforce skilled in coordination and operational functions and job descriptions for its technical staff.

(3) Search and rescue services shall establish processes to improve service provision, including the aspects of planning, domestic and international cooperative arrangements and training including an implemented training program.

(b) In providing assistance to aircraft in distress and to survivors of aircraft accidents, the DELEGATE shall do so regardless of the nationality or status of such persons or the circumstances in which such persons are found.

(c) The DELEGATE having accepted responsibility to provide search and rescue services shall use search and rescue units and other available facilities to assist any aircraft or its occupants that are or appear to be in a state of emergency.

(d) Where separate aeronautical and maritime rescue coordination centers serve the same area, the DELEGATE shall ensure the closest practicable coordination between the centers.

CAR 176.053 Search and Rescue Regions The DELEGATE shall delineate the search and rescue regions within which they will provide search and rescue services. Such regions shall not overlap and neighboring regions shall be contiguous.

CAR 176.055 Rescue Coordination Centers and Rescue Subcenters (a) The DELEGATE shall establish a rescue coordination center in each search and rescue region. (b) Each rescue coordination center and, as appropriate, rescue subcenter, shall be staffed 24 hours

a day by trained personnel proficient in the use of the English language used for radiotelephony communications.

CAR 176.057 Search and Rescue Communications

(a) Each rescue coordination center shall have means of rapid and reliable two-way communication with:

(1) associated air traffic services units; (2) associated rescue subcenters; (3) appropriate direction-finding and position-fixing stations; (4) where appropriate, coastal radio stations capable of alerting and communicating with

surface vessels in the region; (5) the headquarters of search and rescue units in the region;



(6) all maritime rescue coordination centers in the region and aeronautical, maritime or joint rescue coordination centers in adjacent regions;

(7) a designated meteorological office or meteorological watch office; (8) search and rescue units; (9) alerting posts; and

(10) the COSPAS-SARSAT Mission Control Centre servicing the search and rescue region. (b) Each rescue subcenter shall have means of rapid and reliable two-way communication with:

(1) adjacent rescue subcenters; (2) a meteorological office or meteorological watch office; (3) search and rescue units; and (4) alerting posts.

CAR 176.059 Search and Rescue Units (a) The DELEGATE shall designate as search and rescue units, elements of public or private services

suitably located and equipped for search and rescue operations. (b) The DELEGATE shall designate as parts of the search and rescue plan of operation, elements of

public or private services that do not qualify as search and rescue units but are nevertheless able to participate in search and rescue operations.

CAR 176.061 Search and Rescue Equipment (a) Search and rescue units shall be provided with equipment for locating promptly, and for

providing adequate assistance at, the scene of an accident. (b) Each search and rescue aircraft shall be equipped to be able to communicate on the

aeronautical distress and on-scene frequencies and on such other frequencies as may be prescribed.

(c) Each search and rescue aircraft shall be equipped with a device for homing on distress frequencies.

(d) Each search and rescue aircraft, when used for search and rescue over maritime areas, shall be equipped to be able to communicate with vessels.

(e) Each search and rescue aircraft, when used for search and rescue over maritime areas shall carry a copy of the International Code of Signals to enable it to overcome language difficulties that may be experienced in communicating with ships.

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SUBPART C – COOPERATION

CAR 176.101 Cooperation Between States (a) The DELEGATE shall coordinate their search and rescue organizations with those of neighboring

States. (b) Subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by its own authorities, a DELEGATE shall permit

immediate entry into its territory of search and rescue units of other States for the purpose of searching for the site of aircraft accidents and rescuing survivors of such accidents.

(c) The authorities of an ICAO Contracting State who wish their search and rescue units to enter the territory of the DELEGATE for search and rescue purposes shall transmit a request, giving full details of the projected mission and the need for it, to the rescue coordination center of the DELEGATE concerned or to such other authority as has been designated by the DELEGATE. The authorities of the DELEGATE shall:

(1) immediately acknowledge the receipt of such a request; (2) as soon as possible, indicate the conditions, if any, under which the projected

mission may be undertaken; and (3) provide, when requested, assistance to other RCCs in the form of aircraft, vessels,

persons or equipment.

CAR 176.103 Cooperation with Other Services (a) The DELEGATE shall arrange for all aircraft, vessels and local services and facilities which do not

form part of the search and rescue organization to cooperate fully with the latter in search and rescue and to extend any possible assistance to the survivors of aircraft accidents.

(b) The DELEGATE shall ensure that their search and rescue services cooperate with those responsible for investigating accidents and with those responsible for the care of those who suffered from the accident.

(c) The DELEGATE shall designate a search and rescue point of contact for the receipt of COSPAS-SARSAT distress data.

CAR 176.105 Dissemination of Information The DELEGATE shall publish and disseminate all information necessary for the entry of search and rescue units of other States into its territory or, alternatively, include this information in search and rescue service arrangements.

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SUBPART D – PREPARATORY MEASURES

CAR 176.201 Preparatory Information Each rescue coordination center shall have readily available at all times up-to-date information concerning the following in respect of its search and rescue region:

(a) search and rescue units, rescue subcenters and alerting posts; (b) air traffic services units; (c) means of communication that may be used in search and rescue operations; (d) addresses and telephone numbers of all operators, or their designated representatives,

engaged in operations in the region; and (e) any other public and private resources including medical and transportation facilities that are

likely to be useful in search and rescue.

CAR 176.203 Plans of Operation (a) Each rescue coordination center shall prepare detailed plans of operation for the conduct of

search and rescue operations within its search and rescue region. (b) The plans of operation shall specify arrangements for the servicing and refueling, to the extent

possible, of aircraft, vessels and vehicles employed in search and rescue operations, including those made available by other States.

(c) The search and rescue plans of operation shall contain details regarding actions to be taken by those persons engaged in search and rescue, including:

(1) the manner in which search and rescue operations are to be conducted in the search and rescue region;

(2) the use of available communication systems and facilities; (3) the actions to be taken jointly with other rescue coordination centers; (4) the methods of alerting en-route aircraft and ships at sea; (5) the duties and prerogatives of persons assigned to search and rescue; (6) the possible redeployment of equipment that may be necessitated by meteorological

or other conditions; (7) the methods for obtaining essential information relevant to search and rescue

operations, such as weather reports and forecasts, appropriate NOTAM, etc.; (8) the methods for obtaining, from other rescue coordination centers, such assistance,

including aircraft, vessels, persons or equipment, as may be needed; (9) the methods for assisting distressed aircraft being compelled to ditch to rendezvous

with surface craft; (10) the methods for assisting search and rescue or other aircraft to proceed to aircraft in

distress; and (11) cooperative actions to be taken in conjunction with air traffic services units and other

authorities concerned to assist aircraft known or believed to be subject to unlawful interference.



CAR 176.205 Search and Rescue Units (a) Each search and rescue unit shall:

(1) be cognizant of all parts of the plans of operation prescribed in CAR 176.203 that are necessary for the effective conduct of its duties; and

(2) keep the rescue coordination center informed of its preparedness. (b) The DELEGATE shall:

(1) maintain in readiness the required number of search and rescue facilities; and (2) maintain adequate supplies of rations, medical stores, signaling devices and other

survival and rescue equipment.

CAR 176.207 Training and Exercises To achieve and maintain maximum efficiency in search and rescue, the DELEGATE shall provide for regular training of their search and rescue personnel and arrange appropriate search and rescue exercises. The training and exercises conducted by search and rescue personnel shall be recorded in accordance with CAR 176.317.

CAR 176.209 Wreckage The DELEGATE should ensure that wreckage resulting from aircraft accidents within its territory or, in the case of accidents on the high seas or in areas of undetermined sovereignty, within the search and rescue regions for which it is responsible, is removed, obliterated or charted following completion of the accident investigation, if its presence might constitute a hazard or confuse subsequent search and rescue operations.

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SUBPART E – OPERATING PROCEDURES

CAR 176.301 Information Concerning Emergencies (a) Any authority or any element of the search and rescue organization having reason to believe

that an aircraft is in an emergency shall give immediately all available information to the rescue coordination center concerned.

(b) Rescue coordination centers shall, immediately upon receipt of information concerning aircraft in emergency, evaluate such information and assess the extent of the operation required.

(c) When information concerning aircraft in emergency is received from other sources than air traffic services units, the rescue coordination center shall determine to which emergency phase the situation corresponds and shall apply the procedures applicable to that phase.

CAR 176.303 Procedures for Rescue Coordination Centers During Emergency Phases

(a) Uncertainty phase Upon the occurrence of an uncertainty phase, the rescue coordination center shall cooperate to the utmost with air traffic services units and other appropriate agencies and services in order that incoming reports may be speedily evaluated.

(b) Alert phase Upon the occurrence of an alert phase the rescue coordination center shall immediately alert search and rescue units and initiate any necessary action.

(c) Distress phase Upon the occurrence of a distress phase, the rescue coordination center shall:

(1) immediately initiate action by search and rescue units in accordance with the appropriate plan of operation;

(2) ascertain the position of the aircraft, estimate the degree of uncertainty of this position, and, on the basis of this information and the circumstances, determine the extent of the area to be searched;

(3) notify the operator, where possible, and keep the operator informed of developments; (4) notify other rescue coordination centers, the help of which seems likely to be required,

or which may be concerned in the operation; (5) notify the associated air traffic services unit, when the information on the emergency

has been received from another source; (6) request at an early stage such aircraft, vessels, coastal stations and other services not

specifically included in the appropriate plan of operation and able to assist to: i. maintain a listening watch for transmissions from the aircraft in distress,

survival radio equipment or an ELT; ii. assist the aircraft in distress as far as practicable; and

iii. inform the rescue coordination center of any developments; (7) from the information available, draw up a detailed plan of action for the conduct of the

search and/or rescue operation required and communicate such plan for the guidance of the authorities immediately directing the conduct of such an operation;

(8) amend as necessary, in the light of evolving circumstances, the detailed plan of action; and

(9) notify the appropriate accident investigation authorities. The order in which these actions above are described shall be followed unless circumstances dictate otherwise.

(d) Initiation of search and rescue action in respect of an aircraft whose position is unknown In the event that an emergency phase is declared in respect of an aircraft whose position is unknown and may be in one of two or more search and rescue regions, the following shall apply:



(1) When a rescue coordination center is notified of the existence of an emergency phase and is unaware of other centers taking appropriate action, it shall assume responsibility for initiating suitable action in accordance with CAR 176.303 and confer with neighboring rescue coordination centers with the objective of designating one rescue coordination center to assume responsibility forthwith.

(2) Unless otherwise decided by common agreement of the rescue coordination centers concerned, the rescue coordination center to coordinate search and rescue action shall be the center responsible for:

i. the region in which the aircraft last reported its position; or ii. the region to which the aircraft was proceeding when its last reported position

was on the line separating two search and rescue regions; or iii. the region to which the aircraft was destined when it was not equipped with

suitable two-way radio communication or not under obligation to maintain radio communication; or

iv. the region in which the distress site is located as identified by the COSPAS-SARSAT system.

(3) After declaration of the distress phase, the rescue coordination center with overall coordination responsibility shall inform all rescue coordination centers that may become involved in the operation of all the circumstances of the emergency and subsequent developments. Likewise, all rescue coordination centers becoming aware of any information pertaining to the emergency shall inform the rescue coordination center that has overall responsibility.

(e) Passing of information to aircraft in respect of which an emergency phase has been declared Whenever applicable, the rescue coordination center responsible for search and rescue action shall forward to the air traffic services unit serving the flight information region in which the aircraft is operating, information of the search and rescue action initiated, in order that such information can be passed to the aircraft.

CAR 176.305 Procedures Where Responsibility for Operations Extends to Two or More Contracting States

Where the conduct of operations over the entire search and rescue region is the responsibility of more than one Contracting State, each involved State shall take action in accordance with the relevant plan of operations when so requested by the rescue coordination center of the region.

CAR 176.307 Procedures for Authorities in the Field The authorities immediately directing the conduct of operations or any part thereof shall: (a) give instructions to the units under their direction and inform the rescue coordination center of

such instructions; and (b) keep the rescue coordination center informed of developments.

CAR 176.309 Procedures for Rescue Coordination Centers – Termination and Suspension of Operations

(a) Search and rescue operations shall continue, when practicable, until all survivors are delivered to a place of safety or until all reasonable hope of rescuing survivors has passed.

(b) The responsible rescue coordination center (RCC) shall normally be responsible for determining when to discontinue search and rescue operations.

(c) When a search and rescue operation has been successful or when a rescue coordination center considers, or is informed, that an emergency no longer exists, the emergency phase shall be



cancelled, the search and rescue operation shall be terminated and any authority, facility or service that has been activated or notified shall be promptly informed.

(d) If a search and rescue operation becomes impracticable and the rescue coordination center concludes that there might still be survivors, the center shall temporarily suspend on-scene activities pending further developments and shall promptly inform any authority, facility or service which has been activated or notified.

(e) Relevant information subsequently received shall be evaluated and search and rescue operations resumed when justified and practicable.

CAR 176.311 Procedures at the Scene of an Accident (a) When multiple facilities are engaged in search and rescue operations on-scene, the rescue

coordination center or rescue subcenter shall designate one or more units on-scene to coordinate all actions to help ensure the safety and effectiveness of air and surface operations, taking into account facility capabilities and operational requirements.

(b) When a pilot-in-command observes that either another aircraft or a surface craft is in distress, the pilot shall, if possible and unless considered unreasonable or unnecessary:

(1) keep the craft in distress in sight until compelled to leave the scene or advised by the rescue coordination center that it is no longer necessary;

(2) determine the position of the craft in distress; (3) as appropriate, report to the rescue coordination center or air traffic services unit as

much of the following information as possible: i. type of craft in distress, its identification and condition;

ii. its position, expressed in geographical or grid coordinates or in distance and true bearing from a distinctive landmark or from a radio navigation aid;

iii. time of observation expressed in hours and minutes Coordinated Universal Time (UTC);

iv. number of persons observed; v. whether persons have been seen to abandon the craft in distress;

vi. on-scene weather conditions; vii. apparent physical condition of survivors;

viii. apparent best ground access route to the distress site; and (4) act as instructed by the rescue coordination center or the air traffic services unit.

If the first aircraft to reach the scene of an accident is not a search and rescue aircraft, it shall take charge of on-scene activities of all other aircraft subsequently arriving until the first search and rescue aircraft reaches the scene of the accident. If, in the meantime, such aircraft is unable to establish communication with the appropriate rescue coordination center or air traffic services unit, it shall, by mutual agreement, hand over to an aircraft capable of establishing and maintaining such communications until the arrival of the first search and rescue aircraft.

(c) When it is necessary for an aircraft to convey information to survivors or surface rescue units, and two-way communication is not available, it shall, if practicable, drop communication equipment that would enable direct contact to be established, or convey the information by dropping a hard copy message.

(d) When a ground signal has been displayed, the aircraft shall indicate whether the signal has been understood or not by the means described in (c) or, if this is not practicable, by making the appropriate visual signal.

(e) When it is necessary for an aircraft to direct a surface craft to the place where an aircraft or surface craft is in distress, the aircraft shall do so by transmitting precise instructions by any means at its disposal. If no radio communication can be established, the aircraft shall make the appropriate visual signal.



CAR 176.313 Procedures for a Pilot-in-Command Intercepting a Distress Transmission

Whenever a distress transmission is intercepted by a pilot-in-command of an aircraft, the pilot shall, if feasible: (a) acknowledge the distress transmission; (b) record the position of the craft in distress if given; (c) take a bearing on the transmission; (d) inform the appropriate rescue coordination center or air traffic services unit of the distress

transmission, giving all available information; and (e) at the pilot’s discretion, while awaiting instructions, proceed to the position given in the

transmission.

CAR 176.315 Search and Rescue Signals (a) The air-to-surface and surface-to-air visual signals in the Appendix shall, when used, have the

meaning indicated therein. They shall be used only for the purpose indicated and no other signals likely to be confused with them shall be used.

(b) Upon observing any of the signals in the Appendix, aircraft shall take such action as may be required by the interpretation of the signal given in that Appendix.

CAR 176.317 Maintenance of Records (a) Each rescue coordination center shall keep a record of the operational efficiency of the search

and rescue organization in its region including the training records for their technical staff. (b) Each rescue coordination center shall prepare appraisals of actual search and rescue operations

in its region. These appraisals should comprise any pertinent remarks on the procedures used and, on the emergency, and survival equipment, and any suggestions for improvement of those procedures and equipment. Those appraisals which are likely to be of interest to other States should be submitted to ICAO for information and dissemination as appropriate.



APPENDIX A – SEARCH AND RESCUE SIGNALS

1. Signals with Surface Craft (a) The following maneuvers performed in sequence by aircraft mean that the aircraft wishes

to direct a surface craft towards an aircraft or a surface craft in distress: (1) circling the surface craft at least once; (2) crossing the projected course of the surface craft close ahead at low altitude and:

i. rocking the wings; or ii. opening and closing the throttle; or

iii. changing the propeller pitch. (3) heading in the direction in which the surface craft is to be directed.

Repetition of such maneuvers has the same meaning.

(b) The following maneuvers by an aircraft means that the assistance of the surface craft to which the signal is directed is no longer required:

(1) crossing the wake of the surface craft close astern at a low altitude and: i. rocking the wings; or

ii. opening and closing the throttle; or iii. changing the propeller pitch.

2. Ground-Air Visual Signal Code (a) Ground-air visual signal code for use by survivors:

(b) Ground-air visual signal code for use by rescue units:



(c) Symbols shall be at least 2.5 meters (8 feet) long and shall be made as conspicuous as possible.

3. Air-to-Ground Signals (a) The following signals by aircraft mean that the ground signals have been understood:

(1) during the hours of daylight: i. by rocking the aircraft’s wings;

(2) during the hours of darkness: i. flashing on and off twice the aircraft’s landing lights or, if not so

equipped, by switching on and off twice its navigation lights. (a) Lack of the above signal indicates that the ground signal is not understood.

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